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Hats Off To The Horses - The You and I Hat

Special thanks to jockey Julien Leparoux and his wife Shea for joining our “Hats Off” team this year. Shea is modeling the “You and I” hat. Julien's fedora hat is part of the new line of men's hats by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® and although not included in the auction, it is available for purchase from MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. Thank you both for being such wonderful supporters of Old Friends!

For the sixth consecutive year, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® and Old Friends are teaming up again for an unparalleled online monthly auction November 1st through April 1st with their "Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby" series. This unique Derby hat fundraiser is now an annual event which features one-of-a-kind couture Derby hats created by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® to benefit the retired racehorses of Old Friends. These hats have made over $23,000.00 for the horses.

The seventh hat up for bid in our auction series honors the Florida-bred multiple graded stakes winner, You and I. You and I is perhaps best remembered for his 1995 Metropolitan Handicap (Grade 1) victory. He is also the sire of millionaire filly, You. This nearly jet black son of Kris S. went on to sire 14 other stakes winners who earned a total of $12 million. You and I was donated by Woodstead Farm to Old Friends, Kentucky, in October 2011.

You and I's racing career with Triumviri Stable certainly started off with a bang in 1993 when as a 3-year old he beat future Kentucky Derby winner, Go For Gin, at Belmont Park. However, You and I truly came into his own when he was sold in 1994 to Edmund Gann. There, under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer, Bobby Frankel, You and I scored victories in the Riva Ridge Stakes (G3), the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) and the Brooklyn Handicap (G2).

Of special interest to all Old Friends fans was the 1993 Hutcheson Stakes race in which a 3-year old You and I came very close to beating Holy Bull and future Old Friends paddock neighbor, Patton, in a thrilling 3-horse duel!

In an October 2011 Bloodhorse press release Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, was quoted as saying, “Bobby Frankel’s legacy continues to inspire us. It’s an honor to have You and I permanently retired to Old Friends.”

Beth Shannon, a volunteer at Old Friends, states, “You And I has an elegant kind of beauty. He's an independent spirit, but when he decides to socialize he's easy-going and likes to interact, and he's kind to children. As long as he's respected. Receiving the respect he deserves matters to most stallions, and You And I is no exception. He's cooperative, but likes to do things in his own way. When feed is brought to most of the horses, they're right on top of it. Many race to the feed tub. You And I supervises the delivery of his meals with dignified interest, usually without bring in any rush to 'come and get it.' He comes over on his own time, and he eats what he wants, and no more. He knows what he's doing apparently, since he keeps himself in great shape.”

Indeed, a very special chapeau was needed to honor this accomplished Thoroughbred athlete and sire and to celebrate his new life at Old Friends. The resulting design showcases You and I's rich black coat, his unique personality and Edmund A. Gann's racing silk colors of red and blue.

The foundation of the “You and I” hat was fashioned as a triple brim hat design using red silk organza for the three brim layers and red dupioni silk for the crown. The organza brim layers were tiered to allow light to shine through them for a dramatic effect.

For the trim centerpiece, a single sculpted rose curl, created out of red silk organza, was set on the upturned organza brim layers to frame the wearer's face. A medley of deep blue and sheer black organza leaves frames the rose curl.

Five long, curvaceous black silk organza “feathers” and three smaller blue organza leaf stems were added to the rose trim to give dimension and animation to the overall design.

A cobalt blue metallic taffeta sash, folded in layers, was fashioned to encircle the crown of the hat.

To echo the trim elements on the front of the hat, all three back brim layers were loosely gathered together and a medium red silk organza rose curl with organza leaves was stitched to hold them in place.

For a final touch, a large black pebble button adorns the back.

The lining of the “You and I” was created out of royal blue satin to reflect the racing silks of the Edmund A. Gann stable.

The finished “You and I” hat design measures just over 25 inches across.

The purpose of this amazing millinery delight is to honor the life of You and I and all of the horses who, thanks to the generosity of those who support their aftercare, now graze in the warm sunshine of Dream Chase Farm for the rest of their lives.

"Sally Faith Steinmann's works of millinery art have raised thousands of dollars and a priceless amount of awareness for all these great retired athletes. Their stunning beauty and indescribable originality symbolize what one great artist can do to positively alter the lives of so many deserving athletes."- Michael Blowen, President, Founder of Old Friends.

A very special thanks also goes to Matt and Wendy Wooley of EquiSport Photos for their photo shoots and videos. Thank you as well to Bella Rose Clothing Boutique, Lexington, Kentucky for furnishing the stunning dresses for the photo shoots.

The “You and I” chapeau is up for bid from April 1st through the 11th. After the auction, the winning bidder's name will be announced (unless they prefer to remain anonymous).. (Shea, Julien and Horse not included!)

Bid as many times and on as many hats as you like during these auctions. For further information about the eBay bidding process, please contact Old Friends at 502-863-1775. Freight charges will be at the expense of the winning bidder. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of your hat in order to ensure proper sizing. To view the couture Derby hats from previous auctions, please click on the following -

All hat designs and hat photos on this page are the sole property of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. All Images and content may not be reproduced for any commercial purpose without the express, written permission of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® or the photographers noted. Copyright MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®